Latest Health News
WHO Prequalifies First Malaria Treatment for Newborns and Young Infants
On 24 April 2026, WHO prequalified Coartem® Baby, the first antimalarial for newborns and infants weighing 2-5 kg, developed with EDCTP2 support. This closes a treatment gap for 30 million babies yearly in malaria-endemic Africa, meeting quality, safety, and efficacy standards.
Trials confirmed therapeutic levels comparable to older children.
Australia Becomes 30th Country Validated for Trachoma Elimination
WHO validated Australia for eliminating trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness, as the 30th country globally and third this year after Libya and Algeria. Australia's 2006 national program targeted Indigenous communities using WHO strategies.
Chile was verified for leprosy elimination in March.
Global Hepatitis Progress: Infections and Deaths Decline Significantly
The World Hepatitis Report shows new hepatitis B infections dropped 32% and hepatitis C deaths fell 12% since 2015. Hepatitis B prevalence in children under five is now 0.6%, with 85 countries meeting 2030 targets.
Despite this, 1.3 million died in 2024, and 287 million live with the diseases, mostly without treatment.
Moderna Launches Large-Scale mRNA Bird Flu Vaccine Trial
Moderna started a trial enrolling 4,000 adults for its mRNA bird flu vaccine, following positive early data from 300 participants. This comes after HHS canceled a $600 million contract last year.
CEO Stéphane Bancel highlighted its role in global pandemic preparedness.
Haiti Faces Severe Health Crisis with Diphtheria Outbreak
Haiti is in serious crisis, with 40% of its 4.4 million population lacking essential health services. A diphtheria outbreak since early 2026 has 469 cases and 7 deaths; WHO supports vaccination for 600,000 children.
International attention is urgently needed.
Ghana Rejects US Health Deal as Zambia Deadline Looms
Ghana rebuffed a US health assistance deal linked to minerals access. Zambia must decide by 30 April on offering copper, cobalt, and lithium to US firms for health aid.
South Africa struggles without similar aid support.
Gilead Acquires Tubulis for $3.15 Billion to Boost Cancer Therapies
Gilead agreed to buy German biotech Tubulis for $3.15 billion to expand cancer technologies. Tubulis' lead antibody drug conjugate is in mid-stage trials for ovarian and lung cancers.
This enhances Gilead's oncology portfolio.
ACA Enrollment Sees High Non-Payment Rates in US
A Wakely analysis found 14% of ACA enrollees didn't pay their first bill, rising to 25%+ in some states. This exceeds typical mid-single digits, with one insurer losing over 30% this year versus 2% in 2025.
Factors include economic pressures.
Organon Cancels Q1 2026 Earnings Call Amid Sun Pharma Acquisition
Organon canceled its Q1 earnings call after announcing Sun Pharmaceutical's acquisition on April 26, 2026. Q1 results will be in a press release today and Form 10-Q.
Organon focuses on women's health medicines.
WHO Notes 47 Countries Certified Malaria-Free Over 70 Years
Over 70 years, WHO certified 47 countries and one territory malaria-free, with new tools offering hope. World Malaria Day on April 25 highlighted newborn treatment prequalification.
Many more countries progress toward elimination.
Hepatitis Elimination Achievable, per Egypt, Georgia, Rwanda, UK Examples
Countries like Egypt, Georgia, Rwanda, and the UK demonstrate hepatitis elimination as a public health problem is possible. Vaccination drove child prevalence drops, but treatment access remains critical for 287 million affected.
Global deaths hit 1.3 million in 2024.